Wine Serving Temperatures: Things to Know for the Perfect Glass

Many people wonder if the serving temperature of wine really makes a difference. We get questions like ‘Are there ideal temperatures at which to serve different types of wine?’ and ‘Does serving wine at specific temperatures affect how the wine tastes?’ We answer with a resounding “YES!” to both questions.

When serving wine, the temperature of storage differs from the serving temperature. Knowing what wines to serve at what temperatures is easier than you might think.

Sparkling/Sweet Wine Serving Temperatures

Wines: Sparkling, light Muscats, Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Cremant, etc

Serving Temp: ice cold – 38-50°F | 5-10°C

Wines: Elswein, Sweet Chenin Blancs, Gewürztraminer

Serving Temp: 41°F | 5°C

Tips: Put the bottle in the freezer one hour before opening. The fancier the wine, the warmer it can be. Bubbles are great ice cold unless you have a very expensive bottle worth sniffing.

White Wine Serving Temperatures

Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, etc.

Serving Temp: fridge cold – 44-57°F | 7-14°C

Wines: Muscadet

Serving Temp: 43°F | 7°C

Wines: Rieslings, Vintage Champagne, Chenin Blanc

Serving Temp: 46°F | 8°C

Wines: Chablis, Bordeaux Blanc, Vin Rose, Soave

Serving Temp: 50°F | 10°C

LIght Red Wine Serving Temperatures

Wines: Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, Zinfandel, Burgundy, etc.

Serving Temp: cool 53-63°F | 12-17°C

Wines: White Burgundy, Beaujolias Nouveau, Tawny Port, Dry German wines, Valipocella, Sherries, Red Cotes du Rhone

Serving Temp: 50°F | 10°C

Tips: The fruitier the wine, the warmer it can be. Put the bottle in the fridge 30 minutes before opening. If your wine doesn’t have any flavor, try warming it up.

Rich Red Wine Serving Temperatures

Wines: Bordeaux, Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Rioja, etc.

Serving Temp: cool 63-69°F | 17-21°C

Wines: Red Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Chianti Reservas, Red Rhones

Serving Temp: 61-63°F | 10°C

Tips: Wines with high tannins will smooth out a bit at warmer temperatures. Does the wine taste too hot/alcoholic? Try cooling it down.

Ready to Start the Wine Room of your Dreams?

Vigilant’s always here to answer questions, so reach out for a custom cellar design quote, shop our standard products online 24/7, or try out our FREE Virtual 3D Wine Cellar Design tool!